Welcome
Reviews
"I just want to say that it has been a real pleasure working with you. Your memoir is very relatable, and I found myself identifying with your story and your struggles again and again. Our healing journeys might look different on the surface, but I think your story will resonate with anyone who has struggled. It can be such a challenge to find our place in this world, and mental-health struggles can be very isolating. That's why I think it is so very important to get stories like yours out to the public. Every person who is willing to share their journey makes us all feel less alone in this world. I am so honoured to have had the chance to help you edit your manuscript."
Amanda Slinger
Freelance editor, writer, translator and proofreader
"This beautiful author did such an amazing job! She put so much of her personality in this book. That when you read it, it is as though she is telling you it in person. It has tough moments, sad moments, funny moments. It has everything in it, im so proud of her and this first book of hers. I cant wait to read others that she will come up with. But if you need a good memior to read about a kick ass mum who was an alcoholic and been through alot of trauma and now shes sober and a very strong independent mum that took her life back then this is a read for you :)"
Shawna C. - goodreads.com
"I am lucky enough to know this lovely and talented lady in real life. I am so proud of her! Reading her book has just increased my admiration of her. She is a inspiration. Karoline's book talks about many relatable topics to us all: love, relationships, abuse, cycles from our childhood, learning and growth. Karoline has gone through a lot in her young life and come through it with a wicked sense of humor and beautiful heart. She shows a glimpse into a side many of us don't share but she lays it all out for everyone to learn from and that is one of the bravest things I can think of. I am inspired by her courage and strength and I am sure you will be too. Read this book and support this new author."
LadyDi50 - Indigo.ca
"This is one of the best examples of strength through trauma I have read in a long time. She never stood a chance is an understatement, wow just wow. I could not put the book down. Coming from a small town lifestyle I could relate to everything she was saying. I will never forget this story as it has made me reflect on my past and how I treated women not knowing what my actions may have had. The fact that she even shared this story is a testament to how strong a women she really is. I will definitely see my wife in a different light and take a step back before making comments. All the best to the her in her journey ahead because I feel it is bright and she will help a lot of people, mostly her children."
DanD - Amazon.ca
"I have never been so invested in a book before. The writing is so heart felt that it’s impossible to put the book down. Karoline's story is filled with ups and downs, moments of heartbreak, and challenges that would overwhelm most people. Yet through it all, she carries an incredible amount of strength. What makes this book so powerful is not just what Karoline has endured, but how she continues to show up every single day and refuses to let life’s hardships define her. This book is a reminder of how strong a person can be, even when life tests them over and over again. Karoline’s story is truly an inspiration to many. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!"
Marisa M. - Amazon.ca
"She Never Stood a Chance is an unflinching personal account of a young woman’s journey from trauma and addiction to healing and authenticity.
From a young age, Karoline took on the role of caregiver, tending to younger siblings and keeping up the home; holding things together, even when those around her seemed hell-bent on self-destruction.
Through a series of traumatic events, tragic back-to-back losses, and a string of dysfunctional relationships, she found herself repeating the family cycle of addiction as a means of coping with unfathomable pain.
Often, she bent to the will of others just to keep the peace. Along the way, she lost sight of who she was and what she wanted; and her ability to trust her own intuition was undermined—broken by lies, gaslighting, and one too many unkept promises.
Finally, she reached a breaking point that could have gone two ways: give up/self-destruct; or take the long, difficult, but ultimately rewarding, journey healing and self-love.
Karoline’s memoir is a testament to choosing the latter.
Through counselling, various therapies, working the Twelve Steps, and an exploration of her Indigenous roots, she paved a path to recovery.
A huge motivation for her recovery was, and still is, her children; wanting to be there for them, so they can have ‘a childhood filled with joy; not one they’ll spend years recovering from’.
This is a story about breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma. It’s about learning to set strong boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and becoming the authentic being you are meant to be.
Written in an easy, conversational style, like sitting with a friend, listening to her story over a warm cup of coffee.
A must read for anyone who is sober-curious, or already on the messy, complicated, yet rewarding, road to recovery.
Karoline has done, and continues to do, the necessary work every day. Her story shines a light on the path going forward. A path she is hoping those who read her memoir will follow."
Lisa K. - Amazon.ca
"Wow. This book was a page turner. Hard to put down. I was rooting for Karoline and friends/family the whole way through. There are definitely sad moments. It also had so many moments of perseverance, resilience, learning, relearning, gaining understanding, inspiration, and love. There is really something for everyone in this book. I can’t wait for the next one!"
Candiece G. - goodreads.com
"An amazing testament to what a human body can endure physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Life dealt her so many challenging cards and tested her through every single hand, but she somehow found the way to beat the odds and, with the help of the Creator, survive. Karoline’s raw writing will take you on an unbelievable journey through her turbulent life and help some of your so-called problems disappear quickly. I am glad to know her. You go girl!"
Gav - Indigo.ca
"This book was very well written.
Though it was heartbreaking to read about all of the hard experiences the author went through, I also felt so proud of her growth and accomplishments. I can’t wait to read her next book!"
Gregory G - Amazon.ca
"Beautiful. Heartfelt. Open. Kao has the ability to share some of the most devastating moments in her life while still allowing you enough space to be able to breathe. And learn."
Karen W - goodreads.com
